Sadly, every year hundreds of elephants are captured and violently “domesticated” for our entertainment.
In their native habitat, elephants live as part of an extended multi-generational family. Every elephant that we see on our streets, in circuses, temples, etc. has been brutally separated from its family and then domesticated using violent methods.
Captive elephants age faster. They also often suffer from illnesses such as tuberculosis that are rarely seen in the wild and usually die much sooner than their wild counterparts.
Training schools trap, isolate, beat, and starve young elephants to make them docile.
Temple elephants are often neglected, underfed, and even physically abused.
Elephants in entertainment are further "trained" (often using physical violence) to perform tricks for us, and to carry us on their backs that are not designed for heavy loads.
